21 Apr Are you washing you hair correctly?
For many people, hair washing routines are overlooked, underestimated and under-appreciated. How you wash your hair and what you wash it with is the core of your hair health.
When I am giving my clients hair washing advice, My top 3 tips are:
- always give your hair two shampoos and one conditioner
- don’t wash your hair every day, and
- ensure you remove product thoroughly.
But just for you, our beautiful blog readers, I am going to share a little more to ensure you have the hottest hair routine in town!
- Brush your hair before you shower – Wet hair is much weaker than dry hair, so care for it lovingly! Always take a few minutes to brush your dry hair carefully before you jump in the shower. This will help you to avoid tangles and help prevent breakage. Rule of thumb – Use a wide tooth comb on wet hair; it is much gentler!
- Shampoo thoroughly – In contrast to conditioner, which should be focused on the mid-lengths and ends of your strands, shampoo should be concentrated on the scalp and roots. Washing only the ends and length can strip strands of moisture and cause your hair to become dull, dry & lacklustre. Your scalp (which produces oil and constantly sheds skin cells) is the area that really needs cleansing, so when you shampoo, make sure you focus on your scalp and roots. Always give your hair two shampoos.
- Condition those locks – Conditioners help the hair to be more manageable, and without getting super science-y, they protect the hair from the environment and heat styling. It is important to make sure you are using your conditioner correctly. Conditioner only needs to be placed on certain sections of your hair. Skip applying near the scalp, as this area tends to become greasy first, and conditioning here can end up weighing your hair down, instead only apply from mid-lengths to ends.
- Not too hot with the water babes! – Although hot showers may feel relaxing and good on your skin, when it comes to your hair, water that is too hot can actually strip your hair of essential oils which can leave it feeling and looking dry and dull. Lukewarm water is just as effective at getting you clean, without being quite as harsh on your hair. When conditioning your hair, rinse with cold water – this helps to help seal the cuticle, ensuring minimal frizz, shiny locks and fabulous colour!
- Massage your scalp – Who doesn’t love a hairdresser’s scalp massage?! Well, why wait for your next visit to the salon? Massage your scalp after combing through your conditioner. This will promote blood circulation, encouraging hair growth!
- Dry your hair naturally, where possible – We all love the glamour and styling of a beautiful blow wave, but excessive heat styling can damage your hair strands in the long run, so we recommend to let your hair dry naturally as often as you can. Air drying or towel drying after shampoo is the best way to go. Harsh rubbing with a towel can damage the cuticle of your hair, so always treat your precious tresses carefully! A towel totally seems like the obvious way to remove excess water and start drying your hair post-shower, but it may not be what’s best. One of our better hair tips? Squeeze out excess water and the gently dab your hair of excess moisture.
- Don’t go to bed with wet hair – Please, I beg you, don’t, just don’t.
So, next time you go to jump in your steaming hot shower, just remember this blog, and maybe decrease the heat just a touch.
We look forward to seeing you in the salon soon and hearing about your new hair washing routine.
Love,
The Salon Utopia Family xx
(by Brooklyn)